Who is Kandi Burruss? Bio, Net Worth, Movies, Age, Parents, Husband, Songs, TV Shows, Children

Biography

Kandi Leniece Burruss is a multifaceted American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality born May 17, 1976, in College Park, Georgia.

She first gained national attention in the 1990s as a member of the chart-topping R&B group Xscape, known for its soulful harmonies and string of platinum hits. Beyond her success as a performer, Kandi cemented her legacy as a Grammy-winning songwriter, co-writing iconic tracks like TLC’s “No Scrubs” and Destiny’s Child’s “Bills, Bills, Bills.”

In 2009, Kandi joined Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta in its second season and has since become the longest-running cast member, known for her level-headed presence, business savvy, and unfiltered authenticity over 14 seasons.

Her influence extends far beyond reality TV—she’s built an impressive entrepreneurial portfolio that includes Bedroom Kandi, a popular adult lifestyle brand, and the Southern-style restaurant chain Old Lady Gang, co-founded with her husband Todd Tucker and inspired by her family’s recipes.

Kandi’s creative ventures also span the stage. In 2023, she earned a Tony Award nomination as a producer of The Piano Lesson on Broadway, further proving her versatility in entertainment.

Actress
American singer-songwriter and actress
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Kandi Leniece Burruss
Stage Name:	Kandi Burruss
Born:	17 May 1976 (age 48 years old)
Place of Birth:	College Park, Georgia, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	Tri-Cities High School,
Height:	160 cm
Parents:	Joyce Jones, Titus Burruss Jr.
Siblings:	Patrick Riley
Spouse:	Todd Tucker (m. 2014)
Boyfriend • Partner:	Willis McGahee (2010), Gerald Levert (2003 – 2005), Russell Spencer (2000 – 2002), Jermaine Dupri (1998), Chuck Smith, Brandon Casey, A.j. Jewell (2009)
Children:	Ace Wells Tucker, Blaze Tucker, Riley Burruss
Occupation:	Singer • Actress
Net Worth:	$30 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Kandi Burruss was born on May 17, 1976, in College Park, Georgia, a city just southwest of Atlanta. She is of African-American ethnicity and grew up in a Christian household, reflecting her family’s religious influence.

Her father, Reverend Titus Burruss Jr., was a pastor, and her mother, Joyce Jones, raised Kandi and her older brother, Patrick Riley, in a nurturing environment. Tragically, Patrick passed away in a car accident in 1991 at the age of 22, a loss that deeply affected Kandi when she was just 15 years old.

Growing up in East Point, Georgia, Kandi attended Tri-Cities High School, a performing arts-focused institution where her musical talents began to take shape. During her time there, she met Tamika Scott, the sister of LaTocha Scott, who had been part of a group called Precise.

This connection led to the formation of Xscape, the R&B group that would launch Kandi’s career. She graduated from Tri-Cities in 1994, having already made her first television appearance at age 15 on BET’s Teen Summit, a platform that hinted at her future in the spotlight.

Career

Kandi Burruss has cultivated a dynamic, multi-dimensional career that spans music, television, entrepreneurship, and theater, establishing herself as a true force in the entertainment world.

Her journey began in the early 1990s when, at just 15, she joined the R&B girl group Xscape, alongside Tamika Scott, LaTocha Scott, and Tameka “Tiny” Cottle (Tiny Harris). The group was discovered by Jermaine Dupri during a performance in Atlanta and quickly signed to So So Def Recordings.

Their 1993 debut album, Hummin’ Comin’ at ‘Cha, went platinum on the strength of hits like “Just Kickin’ It” and “Understanding,” launching Kandi into the spotlight. Two more successful albums—Off the Hook (1995) and Traces of My Lipstick (1998)—followed before the group disbanded in 1999.

After Xscape, Kandi pivoted into songwriting and found even greater success behind the scenes. She co-wrote TLC’s 1999 anthem “No Scrubs” with Tiny Cottle, earning a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 2000. That same year, she penned Destiny’s Child’s “Bills, Bills, Bills,” a chart-topping hit that earned another Grammy nomination.

Her songwriting credits expanded to include artists like Pink (“There You Go”), NSYNC, and Whitney Houston. In 2000, she made history as the first woman to receive ASCAP’s Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year award, cementing her status as a powerhouse writer in the industry.

In 2009, Kandi joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta in its second season, becoming the show’s longest-serving cast member over a 14-season run. Her time on the show elevated her public profile and provided a platform to spotlight her growing list of ventures. She released her solo album Kandi Koated in 2010, toured with Xscape during their 2017 reunion, and released the single “Heaven” with the group in 2023.

Kandi’s entrepreneurial streak took off with the 2011 launch of Bedroom Kandi, a successful line of intimacy products that became a standout brand. Alongside her husband Todd Tucker, whom she married in 2014, she co-founded the Old Lady Gang restaurant chain, inspired by her family’s Southern recipes. Her business portfolio also includes TAGS Boutique and Raising Ace, a children’s clothing line.

Branching into production, Kandi co-produced the 2022 Broadway revival of The Piano Lesson, earning a Tony Award nomination. Through her company, Kandi Koated Entertainment, she has developed television projects, including Kandi & The Gang, and contributed to The Chi.

After departing RHOA in 2024 to focus on new endeavors, Kandi continues to expand her legacy—proving time and again that she’s more than just a reality star—she’s a cultural mogul.

Social Media

• Wikipedia: Kandi Burruss
• Instagram: Kandi Burruss (@kandi)
• Facebook: Kandi Burruss
• IMDb: Kandi Burruss
• YouTube: KandiOnline

Personal Life

Kandi Burruss, born on May 17, 1976, is 48 years old. She has been married once, to Todd Tucker, a television producer and former line producer on The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

The couple met while filming the show’s fourth season in 2011, began dating, and got engaged on January 1, 2013. In a lavish Atlanta ceremony, they tied the knot on April 4, 2014, despite initial objections from Kandi’s mother, Joyce, who later warmed to Todd. Their marriage has been a focal point of RHOA, showcasing their partnership and collaborative business ventures.

Kandi and Todd have two children together: a son, Ace Wells Tucker, born on January 6, 2016, and a daughter, Blaze Tucker, born via surrogate on November 22, 2019. Kandi also has a daughter, Riley Burruss, born on August 22, 2002, from a previous relationship with music executive Russell “Block” Spencer, with whom she dated in the early 2000s. Todd brought a daughter, Kaela Tucker, born in 1996, into the marriage from a prior relationship, making Kandi a stepmother and giving the couple a blended family of four children.

Before Todd, Kandi’s dating history includes a few notable relationships. She was briefly engaged to Ashley “A.J.” Jewell in 2009, a businessman she met during her first season on RHOA. Their engagement ended tragically when A.J. died on October 2, 2009, from injuries sustained in a fight outside an Atlanta club.

Earlier, her relationship with Block Spencer in the late 1990s and early 2000s produced Riley but did not lead to marriage. Kandi has been open about these experiences on RHOA, shaping her public narrative of resilience and growth.

Standing at approximately 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall, Kandi’s petite stature belies her larger-than-life presence in entertainment.

Net Worth

Kandi Burruss, a multifaceted American entertainer known for her work as a singer, songwriter, television personality, and entrepreneur, has an estimated net worth of $30 million.

Her wealth stems from a successful music career, including her time with the R&B group Xscape and Grammy-winning songwriting for hits like TLC’s “No Scrubs.” Her long tenure on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, where she reportedly earned up to $2 million per season, significantly boosted her finances.

Additionally, Burruss has built a business empire with ventures like Bedroom Kandi, Old Lady Gang restaurants, and Kandi Koated Entertainment, contributing to her impressive fortune.

Body of Work

Music – As a Performer

• With Xscape (Albums):
  • Hummin’ Comin’ at ‘Cha (1993) – Platinum-certified debut album featuring “Just Kickin’ It” and “Understanding.”
  • Off the Hook (1995) – Platinum-certified, with hits like “Feels So Good” and “Who Can I Run To.”
  • Traces of My Lipstick (1998) – Gold-certified, including “The Arms of the One Who Loves You.”
  • Xscape Reunion Projects: Performances and tours (e.g., 2017 Essence Festival, 2023 single “Heaven”).
• Solo Albums:
  • Hey Kandi… (2000) – Featured singles like “Don’t Think I’m Not” (peaked at #24 on Billboard Hot 100).
  • Kandi Koated (2010) – Included “Leave U” and collaborations with artists like Ne-Yo.

Music – Songwriting

• Notable Songs:
  • TLC – “No Scrubs” (1999) – Co-writer, Grammy winner for Best R&B Song.
  • Destiny’s Child – “Bills, Bills, Bills” (1999) – Co-writer, #1 on Billboard Hot 100.
  • Pink – “There You Go” (2000) – Co-writer, Top 10 hit.
  • NSYNC – “It Makes Me Ill” (2000).
  • Whitney Houston – “Tell Me No” (2002).
  • Ed Sheeran – “Shape of You” (2017) – Received co-writing credit due to interpolation of “No Scrubs.”
• Awards:
  • ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year (2000) – First woman to win this award.

Television

• Reality TV:
  • The Real Housewives of Atlanta (2009–2024) – Cast member for Seasons 2–15, the longest-serving housewife.
  • Kandi’s Wedding (2014) – Spin-off documenting her marriage to Todd Tucker.
  • Kandi’s Ski Trip (2015) – Family-focused spin-off.
  • Kandi & The Gang (2022) – Spin-off centered on her Old Lady Gang restaurant staff.
• Acting/Producing:
  • The Chi (2018–present) – Recurring role as Roselyn Perry; also co-producer.
  • A Mother’s Love (2014) – TV movie, co-writer and producer.
• Guest Appearances:
  • Single Ladies, Chef Roblé & Co., Let’s Stay Together, and others.

Film

• Acting Roles:
  • Make It Rain (2008) – Supporting role.
  • Second Chance Christmas (2014) – TV movie.
  • The Pass (2023) – Supporting role.

Theater Production

• Broadway:
  • The Piano Lesson (2022) – Co-producer of the revival, Tony Award nomination for Best Revival of a Play.
  • Thoughts of a Colored Man (2021) – Co-producer.

Entrepreneurship

• Business Ventures:
  • Bedroom Kandi (2011–present) – Founder of an award-winning intimacy product line.
  • Old Lady Gang (2016–present) – Co-founder of a Southern cuisine restaurant chain with multiple Atlanta locations.
  • Tags Boutique – Clothing store chain.
  • Raising Ace – Children’s clothing line inspired by her son.
  • Kandi Koated Entertainment – Production company behind TV and theater projects.

Other Contributions

• Books:
  • Contributed to The Bedroom Kandi Boutique Parties (2013) – A guide tied to her business.
• Voice Work:
  • Minor voice roles in animated projects and video games (e.g., Saints Row series, uncredited).